Staff College Drag Hunt

Dress code

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Formal hunting dress is first worn at the Opening Meet and continues throughout the season. If you are new to draghunting, as long as your kit is correctly fitting, clean and tidy, and your horse is clean and plaited, you are welcome to drag hunt with us. However, if you draghunt regularly it is hoped that you will be able to obtain the appropriate apparel.

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What should I wear?

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Black or blue hard hat with the ribbons sewn up or a skull cap with black or blue silk

Black or blue hunting coat with white stock and stock pin

OR Tweed jacket with dark coloured stock and stock pin or shirt and tie

Light coloured shirt

Gloves; black, brown or white

White, buff or fawn breeches/jodhpurs

Plain black boots or topped boots (gentlemen only).

Spurs

Brown hunting crop

Hairnet (ladies)

No head cams or GoPros (see below)

Military personnel and visitors from other packs should ride in their own hunt livery or uniform.

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Can I wear a head cam or GoPro?

We politely ask that you do not wear head cams or GoPros as they are not correct hunting attire. We have a professional photographer at all Meets and also any foot followers are welcome to film you from the ground, so you will always have a record of your day.

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Can I wear my body protector / air jacket?

Yes. Please make sure it is clean and well fitting. It can be worn either inside or over the top of your jacket.

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How should I turnout my horse?

Turnout is very important as it shows respect to our Landowners and the people that have organised the meet.

All horses should be plaited (or hogged).

All tack should be correctly fitted, clean and plain black or brown. This includes saddlecloths, boots and brow bands - no 'bling' or bright colours!

Stirrups should be black or metal.

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Should my horse wear a ribbon in its tail?

If you know your horse routinely kicks others then you must not bring it draghunting. If your horse is normally alright, but might be liable to kick, it should wear a red ribbon at the top of its tail. If it is a young horse and you are not sure of its temperament it should wear a green ribbon. In both cases they should be kept to the BACK of the field. If the person in front of you is going through a gateway and has one arm behind their back you should be aware that their horse may kick if you crowd them. If your horse kicks badly you will be asked to leave the field. This is not a punishment but a protective measure for everyone else.

How will I recognise the Masters and other Hunt Staff?

The Masters and the Huntsman wear burgundy hunt coats with green collars and grey trim, and gilt buttons in front and behind. They will have a black hat with the ribbons down at the back or skull cap with a black silk.

Caroline Bullen MDH

Ash Hambridge MDH

Johnny Hathaway-White MDH

Stephen Hall, Huntsman

Who are these other people with green collars then?

A lot of work goes into running the Draghunt throughout the year, not just on hunting days. For this, the Draghunt relies on people volunteering their free time to help out at events. Members of the field are awarded their 'Hunt Button' for such services to the Draghunt. This means that they may wear a green collar on their hunt coat and their buttons are printed with the insignia of the Draghunt. It is a way of formally recognising the time and effort that they have put in. If you are new or unsure of something, these are good people to speak to as they are experienced members of the field and will be able to help you.